Front Line is seriously concerned for the safety of members of the Centre for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH), a non-governmental organisation which campaigns for truth and justice on behalf of victims of genocide in Guatemala.

In April 2004 it brought the case of the massacre on 18 July 1982 of 268 inhabitants of the community of Plan de Sanchez by the Guatemalan armed forces before the Inter American Court on Human Rights, which subsequently condemned the Guatemalan Government for the massacre. CALDH is also a member of the coalition promoting the creation of the Commission for the Investigation of Illegal bodies and Clandestine Security Operations (CICIACS). Christina Laur, a member of CALDH, attended the Front Line Second Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders in September 2003.

According to reports received by Front Line, on 14 and 15 July 2004 the home of the director of CALDH, Edda Gaviola, was broken into. Nothing was stolen but intimidating messages were left and her personal documents had been searched.

On 16 July the offices of CALDH were broken into and important documents regarding the work of the organisation were searched. Since March 2004 following the temporary kidnapping of CALDH’s driver, the offices of the organization has received some official protection measures and, following the break in at Edda Gaviola’s home, the authorities reportedly promised to increase these measures to include 24 hour police protection.

Front Line has also received reports regarding a death threat note found on 17 July 2004 at the door of the home of a witness of the Plan de Sanchez massacre. The message reportedly stated “soon you will be dead for being a witness to the massacre of Plan de Sanchez and for being responsible for the conviction of the state of Guatemala. This is your dearest prize. Soon you will be killed. Happy Anniversary of 18 July."

Front Line has called on the Guatemalan authorities to carry out an independent investigation into these reported acts of intimidation and to ensure the protection of members of CALDH and witnesses of the Plan de Sanchez massacre.